Post Christmas Blues

Another Christmas has come and gone. After all the hype and buildup before the holiday, it's always something of a let down afterwards. Usually, Donna and I look forward to the days after Christmas and New Years, for the children head back to the classroom and it's time for us to travel again.

But there's no travel for us this year.

Besides, we have things to take care of here.

Our GE washer stopped the other day. After numerous calls to the manufacturer and their service reps, we grew frustrated and decided to just go with a local repair place. Besides, our local businesses need our support. The technician arrived promptly on the scheduled day. It didn't take him long to determine the problem. Basically, the area underneath the drum had simply deteriorated and was literally crumbling. He could replace it, he said, but with the cost of the parts and the labor, it would probably be just as cost effective to purchase a new washer. We were very happy with the service tech. He represents Angelo's Best Appliance Repair, and I would use him again should the need arise.

After the technician left, Donna and I went out to get a new washer. We had sort of expected we would need to do this, so we had already done some research. We definitely knew we did not want another GE washer, as we felt we did not get our money's worth from that machine. After talking to our daughter and the tech (Courtney tends to be telling us what to do more and more these days, and that is probably a good thing), we decided on a Whirlpool or LG. We stopped at Lowe's first, but found nothing there to our liking. Next we went to Home Depot. We found 2 machines there. Our favorite was on back order and could not be delivered before the end of January. Well, that wouldn't work; we need that washer ASAP. Our second choice there could be delivered on January 5 -- and that is a good time -- but the model really wasn't what Miss Donna wanted.

So, on to Best Buy. There we found exactly what Donna wanted, and it could be delivered on January 2. So, now we are waiting for it to be delivered and installed. We found that pricing for identical machines at all 3 vendors was very similar, about a dollar apart more or less. So, as regards price, it really didn't matter which vendor we made the purchase from. I can't wait for the new washer to arrive so I can put on some clean clothes.

The weather has been pretty nice lately. Now, when I say nice, I mean warm. Unfortunately, the wind almost always blows out here, and that can make a nice day sort of not so nice. But we have had at least one day of calm breezes. A winter storm is in the area as I write this. It moved in early Wednesday morning dropping temperatures and bringing some much needed moisture. We have a good chance at some wintry precipitation as well. But as I write this on Thursday morning, we've only had rain. There is some ice forming in the trees and other elevated places, but with the temp hovering just above freezing, roads are still in good shape. I'm thankful for the moisture we've received, and hope we get more. Just wish we didn't have to put up with wintry conditions while doing so, but that's just part of it. Nice to be retired and not have to worry about getting out in this stuff.

With the construction going on at the entrance to our subdivision, I had not been walking in that area. But due to the long weekend just past, there was no work going on and I meandered on down there again. Just off the road I discovered the skunk in the picture below. I don't know how long he had been dead, but there really wasn't much left of him.

Dead skunk near construction site. Notice the ground; it is so dry out here right now.

Courtney and family gave us a couple of new puzzles (called mystery puzzles) at Christmas. They look interesting, so we hurriedly completed the traditional puzzle we were working on so we could get busy on the new ones. A mystery puzzle is a bit different from a traditional puzzle. First, you have to read the story that accompanies the puzzle. Then you can begin assembling the puzzle. The problem is that you are not provided with a picture of the puzzle, so you have little idea what it will look like; instead, you must use clues from the story to put the pieces together. The one we are currently working on is Alfred Hitchcock, A Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle. It is 1,000 pieces, and involves a murder/missing person case that you must solve. We are still working on it, but Donna seems to enjoy it more than traditional puzzles.

This is one puzzle we recently completed, "The Rocket Diner"

"Fun Lovin' Silly Folks" is another puzzle we recently completed.

The staff at the clubhouse are working on our behalf to get some COVID vaccine out here. We've submitted the forms, and folks from Shannon Hospital will be out here January 4 to administer the first dose. We should get the second dose about 3 weeks later. So, by the end of January, Donna and I -- as well as many of our Rio Concho West neighbors -- should be in good shape. I'm grateful for RCW for looking out for us.

We had a nice sunrise a few days ago. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

The first picture I snapped. I like the clouds.

As the sun got a bit higher, it really lit the sky.

I apologize for the quality of this photo; my camera is just not very good for this type of shot, and Santa refuses to bring me a better camera. These are ducks roughly in V formation heading to either Lake Nasworthy or Twin Buttes Lake late in the day. I saw about a dozen flocks in a matter of half an hour as I sat out in 70 degree weather before the wintry norther blew in.

Here's another flock, a bit closer and considerably smaller than the previous one.

And to close, I'll leave you with this shot of the moon rising shortly before sundown. 

Merry Christmas, 2020

Christmas is such a special time of year, even during a pandemic. I know that Christmas this year is a challenge for many people, but a little sacrifice and doing without makes us stronger and more appreciative.

Courtney and her family are not visiting this year. So yesterday afternoon, we spent some video time with them and had our Christmas. The "littles," as Courtney and Mike call their two youngest sons, opened their presents, and we were able to watch from afar. Xander is halfway through his senior year, but we still remember the Christmases we spent with him as a little guy.

There are better Christmases ahead -- we know that. We are happy to wait until we can spend them together safely.

We hope that you and yours have had a wonderful Christmas, whether together or alone. 

Turkeys and Bikers

Things are rather boring in our neck of the woods. 

We continue to monitor the ongoing COVID numbers, and we patiently await our turn to receive the vaccine. I don't quite know how this process will work, so I watch the website for the local hospital hoping to find some useful information there. So far, they can only report that when they learn anything, it will be posted.

The weather has been a bit colder than usual, and the wind has been awful. If you walk in weather like this, you spend most of your time chasing your hat down the street rather than having an enjoyable walk. 

A group of local bikers, led by Santa himself, passed through our little subdivision recently. They made 2 passes along our streets. I did not count how many were in the procession, but there were quite a few, probably between 30 and 40.

The jolly old elf spreading cheer from his motorcycle.

Biker parade coming down the street.

And the turkeys continue to roam the yards, causing mayhem wherever they go. They have become regular features in our backyard just off our patio. A year or two ago, we seldom saw them in our yard; now they come through several times a week and linger. They are entertaining.

Some of the turkeys grazing around our little oak tree.

Some of them spotted me and stopped to give me a "lookin' at."

We'll have a video chat with Courtney and her gang on Christmas Eve. Donna is making potato salad, baked beans, and ham for the meal. I'm really looking forward to that.

My hair is getting a bit shaggy, so it's time for another haircut. However, after my last experience, I'm a bit concerned about Donna cutting my hair. She hasn't been in a good mood lately, so I could come away from this experience bald. I need all of you out there to pray for me -- and my hair!

Our latest puzzle is "Summertime." After the last puzzle, this one was a pleasure to complete. It had lots of varied colors, making it rather easy. And once complete, it rewarded us with a relaxing picture. I'd like to be drifting around that little lake in that canoe.

"Summertime"

You folks stay safe out there!

More Christmas, 2020

It's been a festive Christmas week for us.

As I mentioned in my previous post, we spent one evening viewing Christmas lights around town. A day or two earlier, I spent one afternoon and walked 2.78 miles delivering Christmas cards to our neighbors in our little community. Each year, we expand our list and it takes a little longer to deliver the cards.

On Friday, the Rio Concho West (RCW) version of Santa Claus visited all residents. In true West Texas fashion, Santa gathered his merry elves on a trailer and drove through the streets of our neighborhood, passing out a little holiday cheer. We've been pretty careful about social distancing here, so we have not been able to socialize as we usually do. It was good to see the RCW staff.

RCW elves making deliveries while Santa enjoys a ride on a trailer.

Santa and his entourage

Notice Santa's recliner on the trailer

On Saturday night, Donna and I visited San Angelo State Park just a couple of miles down the road from us for "Holly Days in the Park." The park started this event a few years ago, I believe. Park staff decorate and bring out special guests, like Santa and Smokey Bear. Overnight guests in the park are encouraged to decorate their RVs so visitors can drive through. 

Decorated campsite at San Angelo State Park

We were surprised at how many people ventured to the park for this event. The event began at 6:00 PM, and we arrived about 6:05. There was probably a line of 10 to 15 cars ahead of us, and several were behind us. The number grew as the night wore on. Most of the campsites were occupied, and almost all of them were decorated in some fashion. I was unable to get any good pictures with my cheap little camera. The lone picture above is somewhat representative of the night, though. 

I've been a bit remiss taking pictures of autumn color in the neighborhood. Now, you have to understand that this is West Texas, and there are very few native trees in the area other than those clustered along the rivers and the fast multiplying mesquite that seems to pop up everywhere.  But there is a bit of color here and there. I know that one tree that is always pretty about half a mile up our street has already lost its color, so I missed that opportunity. Below are a handful of pictures with a little color.

This is probably my favorite picture from a yard near the entrance to our subdivision. It has a variety of hues: light green, burnt orange, rust, etc.

I rather like this shot of the contrasting colors of these two well-shaped trees. Had I taken this picture a week earlier, the tree on the right would probably have had some bright red color.

Here are two more trees with some color contrast.

Finally, the puzzle we have just completed was a difficult one. Since pieces were uniform in size and shape, it was very challenging to put the blue sky together. As a final insult, a piece was missing (lower right in grassy area).

"Old Farm Indiana"

I wish all of you a safe and merry holiday season. May there be vaccine soon in a clinic or pharmacy near you.

Christmas Lights 2020

Donna and I drove around last night and looked at Christmas lights. The old girl made some homemade hot chocolate, then we jumped in the car and made our annual tour.

We've made it a tradition since living here to always start with the Tour of Lights. The tour begins at the intersection of West 1st Street and Veterans Memorial Drive on the North Concho River and moves east along the river to the Bosque (intersection of Veterans Memorial Drive and South Irving Street). The street parallels the north bank of the river, and most of the lights are across the river on the south bank. I enjoy how the lights reflect in the normally still waters of the river, giving you a mirror image. The main theme of the lights is the 12 Days of Christmas. 

I no longer take pictures of the lights as mine never come out like I want. I have taken pictures in the past, though, and you can find some of these at "Christmas Lights in San Angelo, 2014". But for better pictures, consult the official web site referenced in the second paragraph above and view the Gallery. 

We made some other rounds as well. There is a family on the south side of town that always has an impressive array of lights, so we drove by their house. We drove through the university, but very few lights were on display there. We also drove through the Santa Rita area, and found some nice lights there along Paseo de Vaca Street. 

We had a traffic jam on the back side of our house yesterday. A group of turkeys decided to cross the street, effectively holding up traffic along this busy, busy street. Yeah, those birds are pushing their luck.

Rio Concho traffic jam

Cold Front Lingering

A cold front moved into the area a day or two after Thanksgiving and decided to stay for a while. The nights have hovered around the freezing mark, dipping a couple of times to the mid-20s or so. The days have been decent, I suppose, although there has been a chilly day or two, especially when the wind howls through at 20 mph or greater. But for the most part, we've enjoyed sunny days with highs in the 50s. 

It is now (Sunday afternoon) up into the mid 60s, and predictions indicate we will reach highs in the 60s and even the 70s for the next week or so. I see no hope of rain, though. Gosh, we are pretty dry; we could use a nice, slow soaking rain.

Early December is when Donna and I have all of our annual medical appointments. We debated about whether to keep these this year or postpone due to COVID, but at our age we decided we needed to touch base with our medical professionals. All went well. Few people were in the offices we visited, so spacing was generous and CDC guidelines were practiced by all. The doctors think we will live another year and bid us on our way. I did get a pneumonia shot, so I can mark that off my list. Our PCP discussed the upcoming COVID vaccine shots with us; we will be looking to get our shots when they become available to folks in our category. Our doctor told us that since we contribute nothing to society, we were expendable and would be last in line. That's nothing new; I've been told that before.

Local hospitals are scrambling to find room for COVID patients. Recently, our large hospital system -- Shannon -- purchased its local competitor, Community General. Now we basically have only 1 hospital system, Shannon. Community General is now known as Shannon South Campus. We've enjoyed our relationship with Shannon over the years and hope that this lack of competition will not alter the way things are done. Most of the clinics we visit are located at the downtown campus, but we are happy that there is an urgent care clinic very near us. We go there for lab work and whenever we are sick.

A few months ago, I mentioned that Shannon was putting up a new building at the entrance to our subdivision. I even snapped a few early construction photos and posted them. As I recall, it will be a long-term therapy facility. Shannon currently has such a facility on the east side of town, what they call their St. John's campus. But the growth corridor for San Angelo is on the west side, where we live. So this facility will be located conveniently for future growth. I expect the facility will be completed by summer.

New long-term therapy center under construction at the entrance to our subdivision.

The neighborhood turkeys are up to no good, as usual. I guess they think that since Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, they are safe. Just after lunch, I looked out and caught several of them on our patio. And, as you might expect, they left some surprises for us there. Well, I had planned to have ham for Christmas, but I just might have turkey after all.

I took this shot of our visitors through the slats of our blinds looking out back. They are a brazen bunch.

Here's a close up of a will turkey for those of you who have never seen one. They don't resemble those that President Trump recently pardoned, do they.

Sometimes, for no reason at all, they decide to throw a conniption and chase each other around.

I wish you all well. Don't let your guard down this close to vaccine being distributed. We'll see you on the other side.